Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 25th & 26th October 2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) Which edition of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) meeting was chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi?

(a) 28th Meeting

(b) 29th Meeting

(c) 30th Meeting

(d) 31st Meeting

(e) 32nd Meeting

 

2) Which institutions signed an MoU on 22 October 2026 to collaborate on quantum financial innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies in banking?

(a) C-DAC and Bank of India

(b) C-DAC and State Bank of India

(c) DRDO and Bank of India

(d) MeitY and Reserve Bank of India

(e) NPCI and Bank of India

3) With reference to India’s Index of Core Industries (ICI) for September 2026, consider the following statements:

1. Core industrial growth accelerated to 7.9%, the highest in the new data series since April 2024.
2. The iron ore sector recorded growth of 18.4% in September 2026.
3. The fertiliser sector recorded its sixth consecutive month of contraction.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Both 2 and 3

(e) All the above

4) Which organisation signed an agreement with MMTC-PAMP India Private Limited to jointly develop and expand India’s Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR) market?

(a) National Stock Exchange (NSE)

(b) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

(c) BSE Limited

(d) Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)

(e) National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX)

5) With reference to India’s retail inflation in September 2026, which of the following statements is incorrect?

(a) Retail inflation rose to 5.5% in September 2026 from 4.8% in August 2026.

(b) The RBI’s upper comfort limit for retail inflation is 6%.

(c) Food and beverages inflation increased to 7.4% in September 2026.

(d) Transport inflation reached 5% in September 2026, marking its fourth consecutive month of increase.

(e) Inflation in restaurant and accommodation services rose to 9.4% in September 2026.

6) Which state secured first place in India for implementing Mission Karmayogi and strengthening the capacity of government officials and employees?

(a) Rajasthan

(b) Jammu and Kashmir

(c) Haryana

(d) Madhya Pradesh

(e) Uttar Pradesh

 

7) Which scheme of the Rajasthan Government has registered more than 43 lakh animals and issued over 26 lakh insurance policies to support livestock owners?

(a) Mukhyamantri Pashudhan Vikas Yojana

(b) Gopal Credit Card Yojana

(c) Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana

(d) Rashtriya Gokul Mission

(e) Kamdhenu Bima Yojana

 

8) Which of the following is the title of the 17th edition of the Emissions Gap Report (EGR) 2026 released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)?

(a) Climate Action for a Sustainable Future

(b) The Point of Return

(c) Bridging the Emissions Gap

(d) Global Pathways to Net Zero

(e) Turning the Tide on Climate Change

9) Who has been appointed as the next Chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) for a combined tenure of three years?

(a) Arun Kumar Singh

(b) Rajesh Kumar Srivastava

(c) Pankaj Jain

(d) Sunil Kumar

(e) Alka Mittal

10) Who has been appointed Ambassador-at-Large of the Inter-Governmental Institution for the Use of Micro-Algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM) for India for a five-year term from 20 October 2026 to 19 October 2031?

(a) Anca-Maria Verma

(b) Remigio Maradona

(c) Alka Mittal

(d) Ruchira Kamboj

(e) Meenakshi Lekhi

11) Who became the first Indian physicist to receive the Oskar Klein Medal in 2026?

(a) Satyendra Nath Bose

(b) Abhay Ashtekar

(c) Thanu Padmanabhan

(d) Jayant Narlikar

(e) Ashoke Sen

12) Who will receive the first Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award, instituted by the Assam Government?

(a) Asha Bhosle

(b) Usha Mangeshkar

(c) Alka Yagnik

(d) Shreya Ghoshal

(e) Kavita Krishnamurthy

13) Which Argentine footballer received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award at a ceremony held in Oviedo, Spain?

(a) Cristiano Ronaldo

(b) Lionel Messi

(c) Kylian Mbappé

(d) Neymar Jr.

(e) Luka Modrić

14) Which four countries signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Doha, Qatar, to strengthen defence industrial cooperation?

(a) Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar and Indonesia

(b) Pakistan, Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia

(c) Turkey, Egypt, Qatar and Malaysia

(d) Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and Bangladesh

(e) Turkey, Pakistan, UAE and Indonesia

15) In news, Indian Navy to Organise Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 to Strengthen Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. At which location did Prime Minister Narendra Modi launch the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) at the 14th East Asia Summit in November 2019?

(a) Jakarta, Indonesia

(b) Bangkok, Thailand

(c) Singapore

(d) Manila, Philippines

(e) Hanoi, Vietnam

16) Which Bengaluru-based private space technology company unveiled “The Anchorage,” a 150-acre rocket development and testing facility near Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh?

(a) Agnikul Cosmos

(b) Skyroot Aerospace

(c) Pixxel

(d) Ethereal Exploration Guild

(e) Bellatrix Aerospace

 

17) Who inaugurated the Indian Airport Pavement Symposium (IAPS 2026), organised by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) in New Delhi?

(a) Dr. Jitendra Singh

(b) Dr. N. Kalaiselvi

(c) Dr. S. Somanath

(d) Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood

(e) Dr. V. Narayanan

18) Which organisation partnered with Google DeepMind and Google.org to develop an open-access global genetic atlas, with a particular focus on sorghum?

(a) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

(b) International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

(c) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

(d) International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)

(e) International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

19) Which Indian women’s cricketer announced her retirement from all formats of cricket at the age of 30?

(a) Sabbhineni Meghana

(b) Veda Krishnamurthy

(c) Anuja Patil

(d) Shikha Pandey

(e) Sushma Verma

20) Who became the youngest woman in chess history to earn the International Master (IM) title at the European Women’s Chess Club Cup 2026?

(a) Divya Deshmukh

(b) Bodhana Sivanandan

(c) R. Vaishali

(d) Judit Polgar

(e) Savitha Shri

21) Which Indian chess players won Individual Gold medals at the European Chess Club Cup 2026, held in Montenegro?

(a) Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy

(b) Pentala Harikrishna and Nihal Sarin

(c) Koneru Humpy and Pentala Harikrishna

(d) R. Praggnanandhaa and Koneru Humpy

(e) Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin

22) Which veteran American Hollywood actor, Tom Skerritt, passed away at the age of 93 in Seattle, Washington, United States?

(a) Donald Sutherland

(b) Robert Duvall

(c) Gene Hackman

(d) Clint Eastwood

(e) Tom Skerritt

23) In news, P. Krishnan, who passed away in Chennai on 20 October 2026 at the age of 69, served as the former Senior Deputy Editor of which sports magazine?

(a) Sportstar

(b) ESPN India

(c) Sports Illustrated

(d) The Cricket Monthly

(e) Wisden India

24) On which date is International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) observed annually to raise awareness about stuttering and support people who experience speech disfluency?

(a) 20 October

(b) 21 October

(c) 22 October

(d) 24 October

(e) 29 October

 

25) On which date is World Polio Day observed annually to raise awareness about poliomyelitis?

(a) 21 October

(b) 22 October

(c) 23 October

(d) 24 October

(e) 25 October

Answers:

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, chaired the 30th Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) in New Delhi.

The FSDC deliberated on macroeconomic and financial stability and India’s preparedness to address emerging domestic and global financial risks.

The Council discussed measures to promote innovation in the fintech sector, encourage digital modernisation, and explore the potential of tokenisation of financial assets and other real-world assets.

The FSDC reviewed the cyber resilience of the Indian financial sector and took note of the Financial Sector Cyber Security Strategy (FSCSS) formulated by an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) comprising financial sector regulators and cybersecurity agencies, in coordination with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, chaired the 30th Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) in New Delhi.

The FSDC deliberated on macroeconomic and financial stability and India’s preparedness to address emerging domestic and global financial risks.

The Council discussed measures to promote innovation in the fintech sector, encourage digital modernisation, and explore the potential of tokenisation of financial assets and other real-world assets.

The FSDC reviewed the cyber resilience of the Indian financial sector and took note of the Financial Sector Cyber Security Strategy (FSCSS) formulated by an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) comprising financial sector regulators and cybersecurity agencies, in coordination with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

The implementation of the FSCSS is expected to strengthen the overall cybersecurity and resilience of India’s financial sector.

The Council discussed India’s preparedness to protect Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), strengthen the resilience of protection systems, and improve the cybersecurity preparedness of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).

The FSDC discussed strengthening the domestic investment ecosystem and improving the flow of resources for investment, including investment through GIFT-IFSC (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City – International Financial Services Centre).

2) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and Bank of India (BOI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 October 2026 to collaborate on quantum financial innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies in banking.

C-DAC is an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

The MoU establishes a framework for joint research, development, pilot implementations, technology demonstrations and capacity-building initiatives for the banking and financial services sector.

The collaboration combines C-DAC’s expertise in High Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technologies, Blockchain, Cybersecurity and indigenous technology development with Bank of India’s banking expertise, nationwide presence and high-volume technology environment.

Detailed Explanation:

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and Bank of India (BOI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 October 2026 to collaborate on quantum financial innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies in banking.

C-DAC is an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

The MoU establishes a framework for joint research, development, pilot implementations, technology demonstrations and capacity-building initiatives for the banking and financial services sector.

The collaboration combines C-DAC’s expertise in High Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technologies, Blockchain, Cybersecurity and indigenous technology development with Bank of India’s banking expertise, nationwide presence and high-volume technology environment.

A key focus of the partnership is developing a Quantum Ecosystem for Financial Innovation to prepare banking systems for opportunities and security challenges associated with quantum technologies.

C-DAC and BOI will jointly explore quantum-inspired and quantum-safe technologies to strengthen security, trust, resilience and decision-making in banking.

3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India’s core industrial growth accelerated to 7.9% in September 2026, marking the highest growth in the new data series since April 2024, driven by improved performance in the coal, refinery products and iron ore sectors.

According to the latest Index of Core Industries (ICI) data, September 2026 recorded the highest core industrial growth in nearly three years when compared with the older data series.

The coal sector recorded growth of 10.7% in September 2026, reaching a 13-month high, compared with a contraction of 1.1% in September 2025.

The refinery products sector recorded growth of 10.3% in September 2026, up from 5.6% in August 2026; however, its average growth during the first half of FY 2026–27 remained at only 1%.

The iron ore sector grew by 18.4% in September 2026, marking a two-month high and continuing its trend of strong double-digit growth for nearly a year.

The electricity sector recorded growth of 11.4% in September 2026, compared with 13.1% in August 2026, indicating a slight moderation in growth.

The fertiliser sector contracted by 11.7% in September 2026, marking its seventh consecutive month of contraction.

Detailed Explanation:

India’s core industrial growth accelerated to 7.9% in September 2026, marking the highest growth in the new data series since April 2024, driven by improved performance in the coal, refinery products and iron ore sectors.

According to the latest Index of Core Industries (ICI) data, September 2026 recorded the highest core industrial growth in nearly three years when compared with the older data series.

The coal sector recorded growth of 10.7% in September 2026, reaching a 13-month high, compared with a contraction of 1.1% in September 2025.

The refinery products sector recorded growth of 10.3% in September 2026, up from 5.6% in August 2026; however, its average growth during the first half of FY 2026–27 remained at only 1%.

The iron ore sector grew by 18.4% in September 2026, marking a two-month high and continuing its trend of strong double-digit growth for nearly a year.

The electricity sector recorded growth of 11.4% in September 2026, compared with 13.1% in August 2026, indicating a slight moderation in growth.

The steel sector recorded growth of 4.9% in September 2026, reflecting improved activity in the construction-related industrial sector.

The cement sector grew by 9.8% in September 2026, although its growth was slower than in August 2026.

The domestic crude oil sector contracted by 1.4% in September 2026, improving from a contraction of 3.6% in August 2026.

The natural gas sector contracted by 4.6% in September 2026, compared with a contraction of 4.9% in August 2026.

The fertiliser sector contracted by 11.7% in September 2026, marking its seventh consecutive month of contraction.

 

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

BSE Limited, formerly known as the Bombay Stock Exchange, signed an agreement with MMTC-PAMP India Private Limited to jointly develop and expand India’s Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR) market.

The partnership aims to increase market participation, improve price transparency, enhance liquidity, and enable seamless conversion between physical gold and Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs), subject to regulatory requirements.

Under the agreement, BSE will launch EGR contracts in multiple denominations, while MMTC-PAMP will contribute its expertise in bullion refining, assaying, and EGR creation and redemption processes.

Detailed Explanation:

BSE Limited, formerly known as the Bombay Stock Exchange, signed an agreement with MMTC-PAMP India Private Limited to jointly develop and expand India’s Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR) market.

The partnership aims to increase market participation, improve price transparency, enhance liquidity, and enable seamless conversion between physical gold and Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs), subject to regulatory requirements.

Under the agreement, BSE will launch EGR contracts in multiple denominations, while MMTC-PAMP will contribute its expertise in bullion refining, assaying, and EGR creation and redemption processes.

The partnership will focus on stakeholder engagement, knowledge-sharing, and market development programmes to broaden investor participation and strengthen the regulated gold-trading ecosystem.

Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are SEBI-regulated, exchange-traded securities that allow investors to hold gold electronically in dematerialised (demat) accounts.

BSE was the first stock exchange in India to introduce EGR trading and currently offers trading units of 100 milligrams, 1 gram, and 10 grams, with gold fineness levels of 999 and 995.

MMTC-PAMP is India’s only London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)-accredited gold and silver refiner.

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Retail inflation in India rose to a nearly two-year high of 5.5% in September 2026, compared with 4.8% in August 2026, according to official data released on 12 October 2026.

Retail inflation is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the September 2026 rate was the highest since October 2024.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has an upper comfort limit of 6% for retail inflation.

Transport inflation reached 5% in September 2026, marking its fifth consecutive month of increase.

Detailed Explanation:

Retail inflation in India rose to a nearly two-year high of 5.5% in September 2026, compared with 4.8% in August 2026, according to official data released on 12 October 2026.

Retail inflation is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the September 2026 rate was the highest since October 2024.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has an upper comfort limit of 6% for retail inflation.

The increase in retail inflation was mainly driven by the continued acceleration of food and fuel inflation.

Food and beverages inflation rose to 7.4% in September 2026, compared with 5.7% in August 2026, reaching its highest level in the available data period.

The new CPI series does not provide category-wise historical data for periods before January 2026.

Transport inflation reached 5% in September 2026, marking its fifth consecutive month of increase.

Inflation in restaurant and accommodation services rose to 9.4% in September 2026, continuing a seven-month streak of consecutive acceleration, partly due to rising food and transport prices.

6) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh secured first place in India for implementing Mission Karmayogi and strengthening the capacity of government officials and employees.

Rajasthan ranked second, followed by Jammu and Kashmir in third place.

The recognition was announced at a Northern Regional Workshop jointly organised by the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Uttar Pradesh Academy of Administration and Management (RUPAM) and the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), Government of India.

Detailed Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh secured first place in India for implementing Mission Karmayogi and strengthening the capacity of government officials and employees.

Rajasthan ranked second, followed by Jammu and Kashmir in third place.

The recognition was announced at a Northern Regional Workshop jointly organised by the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Uttar Pradesh Academy of Administration and Management (RUPAM) and the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), Government of India.

Under Mission Karmayogi, Uttar Pradesh has prioritised continuous capacity building of its government workforce. According to the iGOT Karmayogi platform:

The state has approximately 19.23 lakh registered users.

The active participation rate exceeds 99%.

More than 350 training institutions are registered under the Unnati initiative.

In January 2026, Uttar Pradesh organised a seven-day capacity-building programme for government officials and employees.

The state also performed notably during Sadhana Saptah, a dedicated week for capacity building and skill enhancement.

Other initiatives supporting workforce development include Nirbhay Netri, Nirbhay Chetna, Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi, which aim to strengthen the skills and capabilities of government employees.

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Rajasthan is set to formulate its first dedicated State Veterinary Policy to strengthen veterinary services, improve livestock health and support the rural economy.

Chief Secretary V. Srinivas has directed officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Rajasthan, to take the necessary steps to prepare the policy.

Rajasthan ranks first in India in the number of livestock insurance policies issued, according to the report.

Under the Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana, more than 43 lakh animals have been registered, over 26 lakh insurance policies have been issued, and approximately ₹95 crore has been paid to livestock owners.

Detailed Explanation:

Rajasthan is set to formulate its first dedicated State Veterinary Policy to strengthen veterinary services, improve livestock health and support the rural economy.

Chief Secretary V. Srinivas has directed officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Rajasthan, to take the necessary steps to prepare the policy.

The proposed policy will focus on developing a comprehensive action plan to address future requirements in the animal husbandry sector, including:

Adoption of advanced technologies in animal husbandry.

Expansion of veterinary facilities and institutions.

Development of improved livestock breeds.

Availability of quality fodder.

Improvement in the incomes of livestock owners.

Rajasthan ranks first in India in the number of livestock insurance policies issued, according to the report.

Under the Mangla Pashu Bima Yojana, more than 43 lakh animals have been registered, over 26 lakh insurance policies have been issued, and approximately ₹95 crore has been paid to livestock owners.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 17th edition of the Emissions Gap Report (EGR) 2026, titled “The Point of Return.”

The report warns that temporarily exceeding the 1.5°C global warming limit is now unavoidable without urgent reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Global greenhouse gas emissions reached 58.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Gt CO₂e) in 2025, representing a decline of only 0.1 Gt CO₂e compared with 2024.

Under the lowest 1.5°C overshoot scenario, stringent climate mitigation measures starting in 2025 could provide approximately a 50% chance of returning to the 1.5°C limit by 2100.

Detailed Explanation:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 17th edition of the Emissions Gap Report (EGR) 2026, titled “The Point of Return.”

The report warns that temporarily exceeding the 1.5°C global warming limit is now unavoidable without urgent reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Global greenhouse gas emissions reached 58.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Gt CO₂e) in 2025, representing a decline of only 0.1 Gt CO₂e compared with 2024.

Under the lowest 1.5°C overshoot scenario, stringent climate mitigation measures starting in 2025 could provide approximately a 50% chance of returning to the 1.5°C limit by 2100.

Under this lowest-overshoot pathway, global warming is projected to peak at approximately 1.7°C–1.8°C before returning to 1.5°C by 2100.

To achieve the 1.5°C pathway, global GHG emissions must decline compared with 2025 levels by 18% by 2030, 45% by 2035, and 69% by 2040.

Full implementation of the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by around two-thirds of countries is projected to reduce global emissions by only 5–8% by 2030 and 11–15% by 2035, compared with 2025 levels.

9) Answer: D

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the appointment of Sunil Kumar as the next Chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) for a combined tenure of three years.

Sunil Kumar’s appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge on or after 7 December 2026, until his superannuation in December 2028, followed by a contractual tenure, subject to the combined three-year term.

He will succeed Arun Kumar Singh, the current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ONGC, whose extended tenure is scheduled to end on 6 December 2026.

10) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Anca-Maria Verma has been appointed Ambassador-at-Large of the Inter-Governmental Institution for the Use of Micro-Algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM) for India for a five-year term, from 20 October 2026 to 19 October 2031.

The appointment was announced by the Office of the Verma Family and IIMSAM and was issued by Remigio Maradona, Secretary-General of IIMSAM.

In her new role, Anca-Maria Verma will support humanitarian initiatives, nutrition programmes, institutional partnerships, international cooperation, and stakeholder engagement across India.

Detailed Explanation:

Anca-Maria Verma has been appointed Ambassador-at-Large of the Inter-Governmental Institution for the Use of Micro-Algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM) for India for a five-year term, from 20 October 2026 to 19 October 2031.

The appointment was announced by the Office of the Verma Family and IIMSAM and was issued by Remigio Maradona, Secretary-General of IIMSAM.

In her new role, Anca-Maria Verma will support humanitarian initiatives, nutrition programmes, institutional partnerships, international cooperation, and stakeholder engagement across India.

IIMSAM is an intergovernmental institution focused on using micro-algae Spirulina to combat malnutrition and support improved nutrition.

IIMSAM holds Permanent Observer status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

11) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Ashoke Sen, a renowned Indian theoretical physicist and International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS)–Infosys Madhava Chair Professor based in Bengaluru, has become the first Indian physicist to receive the Oskar Klein Medal.

Sen delivered the 2026 Oskar Klein Memorial Lecture, titled “Gravity from Strings and Strings from Gravity”, at Stockholm University’s AlbaNova Centre, Sweden, on 22 October 2026.

He is internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions to S-duality, the precise counting of black-hole entropy and string field theory, which have helped shape modern string theory.

Detailed Explanation:

Ashoke Sen, a renowned Indian theoretical physicist and International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS)–Infosys Madhava Chair Professor based in Bengaluru, has become the first Indian physicist to receive the Oskar Klein Medal.

Sen delivered the 2026 Oskar Klein Memorial Lecture, titled “Gravity from Strings and Strings from Gravity”, at Stockholm University’s AlbaNova Centre, Sweden, on 22 October 2026.

He is internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions to S-duality, the precise counting of black-hole entropy and string field theory, which have helped shape modern string theory.

The medal is named after Oskar Klein, a Swedish theoretical physicist, and is awarded annually by Stockholm University and the Nobel Committee for Physics of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Established in 1988, the Oskar Klein Medal recognises distinguished contributions to physics. Previous recipients include Nobel laureates Chen-Ning Yang, Steven Weinberg and Hans Bethe, who received the medal in its first three years, respectively.

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Assam Government will present the first Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award to Indian playback singer Usha Mangeshkar in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will present the award.

The announcement was made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following a state cabinet meeting.

The award has been instituted by the Assam Government in memory of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, the legendary singer, composer and cultural icon from Assam.

Detailed Explanation:

The Assam Government will present the first Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award to Indian playback singer Usha Mangeshkar in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will present the award.

The announcement was made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following a state cabinet meeting.

The award has been instituted by the Assam Government in memory of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, the legendary singer, composer and cultural icon from Assam.

The award carries ₹10 lakh in cash and a citation and will be presented once every three years.

Usha Mangeshkar is a renowned Indian playback singer known particularly for her work in Hindi and Marathi music.

 She belongs to the celebrated Mangeshkar family and is the sister of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. Her career spans several decades in Indian film and regional music.

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Lionel Messi, the Argentine footballer, received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award at a ceremony held in Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias, Spain.

He attended the event in person and received the honour from Princess Leonor.

The award was announced, recognising Messi’s outstanding contribution to sport and the values he represents, including friendship, teamwork and fair play.

The Princess of Asturias Awards recognise outstanding achievements and contributions across various fields of society.

Detailed Explanation:

Lionel Messi, the Argentine footballer, received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award at a ceremony held in Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias, Spain.

He attended the event in person and received the honour from Princess Leonor.

The award was announced, recognising Messi’s outstanding contribution to sport and the values he represents, including friendship, teamwork and fair play.

The Princess of Asturias Awards recognise outstanding achievements and contributions across various fields of society.

Messi joined the list of football personalities honoured with the award.

In 2012, Spanish footballers Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernández received the distinction in recognition of their sporting achievements and the values demonstrated throughout their careers.

Football had previously been recognised in 2002, when the Brazilian national football team received the award following its victory in the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time.

14) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar and Indonesia signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Doha, Qatar, to strengthen defence industrial cooperation, joint military production, research and development, technology sharing and technical training.

The four participating countries may contribute different capabilities:

Turkey can contribute defence technology, engineering expertise and experience in manufacturing drones, naval platforms and armoured vehicles.

Pakistan can contribute existing defence manufacturing facilities, technical personnel and military production experience.

Qatar can support projects through financial resources, investment and defence procurement.

Indonesia can explore joint manufacturing, technology cooperation and opportunities to strengthen its domestic defence industry.

Detailed Explanation:

Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar and Indonesia signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Doha, Qatar, to strengthen defence industrial cooperation, joint military production, research and development, technology sharing and technical training.

The agreement aims to combine the participating countries’ technical expertise, industrial resources and financial capabilities to strengthen domestic defence industries, improve military manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

The word “Badr” means “full moon” and symbolises the combination of the participating countries’ strengths.

The major objectives of the Badr MoU include:

Joint defence production to manufacture military equipment collaboratively.

Research and development to develop modern defence technologies.

Technology cooperation through the sharing of technical knowledge and industrial expertise.

Technical training to improve the skills of defence personnel and engineers.

Defence exports by creating opportunities to sell jointly manufactured equipment.

Supply chain cooperation to improve access to components, spare parts and maintenance facilities.

Cost sharing to distribute research and production expenses among participating countries.

The four participating countries may contribute different capabilities:

Turkey can contribute defence technology, engineering expertise and experience in manufacturing drones, naval platforms and armoured vehicles.

Pakistan can contribute existing defence manufacturing facilities, technical personnel and military production experience.

Qatar can support projects through financial resources, investment and defence procurement.

Indonesia can explore joint manufacturing, technology cooperation and opportunities to strengthen its domestic defence industry.

15) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Indian Navy will conduct the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD-2026) from 3 to 5 November 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.

IPRD is the Indian Navy’s annual apex-level international outreach conference held at the strategic level.

The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2019.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Navy will conduct the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD-2026) from 3 to 5 November 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.

IPRD is the Indian Navy’s annual apex-level international outreach conference held at the strategic level.

The National Maritime Foundation (NMF) is the Indian Navy’s knowledge partner and principal organiser of IPRD-2026.

The theme of IPRD-2026 is “Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.”

The dialogue focuses on translating India’s broad maritime cooperation framework into specific and actionable proposals for cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2019.

16) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Ethereal Exploration Guild (The Guild), a Bengaluru-based private space technology company, unveiled The Anchorage, a 150-acre rocket development and testing facility.

The Anchorage is located in Space City, about 40 km from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) at Sriharikota, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.

The facility will provide ground infrastructure for the development and testing of Razor Crest Mk 1 (RCM1), the company’s fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle.

Detailed Explanation:

Ethereal Exploration Guild (The Guild), a Bengaluru-based private space technology company, unveiled The Anchorage, a 150-acre rocket development and testing facility.

The Anchorage is located in Space City, about 40 km from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) at Sriharikota, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.

The facility will provide ground infrastructure for the development and testing of Razor Crest Mk 1 (RCM1), the company’s fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle.

Razor Crest Mk 1 (RCM1) is being designed to enable the recovery and reuse of both its booster and upper stage.

The RCM1 propulsion architecture comprises two semi-cryogenic rocket engines: Pegasus, an 80 kN upper-stage engine, and Stallion, a 1.2 MN gas-generator booster engine.

Pegasus is designed to power the reusable upper stage and incorporates the company’s Full-Flow Segregated Cooling Cycle (FSCC) and a dual-thrust-chamber architecture.

 

17) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), in association with Bharat Tiki Tar Shell India Private Limited (BTS), organised the Indian Airport Pavement Symposium (IAPS 2026) in New Delhi.

The symposium was held at the CSIR-CRRI Auditorium, New Delhi, under the theme “Advancing Performance-Based Airport Pavements for a Resilient and Sustainable Aviation Future.”

The symposium was inaugurated by Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India.

Detailed Explanation:

CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), in association with Bharat Tiki Tar Shell India Private Limited (BTS), organised the Indian Airport Pavement Symposium (IAPS 2026) in New Delhi.

The symposium was held at the CSIR-CRRI Auditorium, New Delhi, under the theme “Advancing Performance-Based Airport Pavements for a Resilient and Sustainable Aviation Future.”

The symposium was inaugurated by Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India.

IAPS 2026 brought together stakeholders, including regulators, airport operators, armed forces, academic leaders and global pavement experts, to develop a technical roadmap for India’s expanding airport and airside infrastructure.

The symposium highlighted the importance of indigenous research and development (R&D), technological innovation and institutional collaboration in strengthening India’s critical transportation infrastructure.

18) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Google DeepMind and Google.org partnered with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to develop an open-access global genetic atlas, with a particular focus on sorghum.

The AI-supported genetic atlas will help researchers and plant breeders identify promising plant combinations and develop more productive and climate-resilient sorghum varieties more quickly.

Google DeepMind will support a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at ICRISAT to develop genome-mapping tools for other crops and pulses, including chickpea, groundnut and pigeon pea.

Detailed Explanation:

Google DeepMind and Google.org partnered with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to develop an open-access global genetic atlas, with a particular focus on sorghum.

The AI-supported genetic atlas will help researchers and plant breeders identify promising plant combinations and develop more productive and climate-resilient sorghum varieties more quickly.

Google DeepMind will support a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at ICRISAT to develop genome-mapping tools for other crops and pulses, including chickpea, groundnut and pigeon pea.

Google is expanding access to its Agricultural Understanding Models, enabling developers, startups and researchers to build customised AI solutions for hyperlocal agricultural challenges and improve agricultural resilience.

The initiative aims to increase access to AI-powered agricultural tools that can support local farming decisions and address challenges arising from different agricultural conditions.

Google’s AI Educator Series, initially launched in May 2026 in partnership with five states, is being expanded to Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

The AI Educator Series will also be available as a free online resource across India, making AI education more accessible to users nationwide.

19) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Sabbhineni Meghana, popularly known as S. Meghana, an Indian top-order batter from Andhra Pradesh, announced her retirement from all formats of cricket at the age of 30.

Meghana played 20 international matches for India, with her last international appearance coming in October 2022.

Her most recent competitive appearance was during the 2025 season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Detailed Explanation:

Sabbhineni Meghana, popularly known as S. Meghana, an Indian top-order batter from Andhra Pradesh, announced her retirement from all formats of cricket at the age of 30.

Meghana played 20 international matches for India, with her last international appearance coming in October 2022.

Her most recent competitive appearance was during the 2025 season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

She made her Twenty20 International (T20I) debut against the West Indies in Vijayawada in November 2016, scoring 17 runs off 16 balls in a match India lost by 31 runs.

Meghana competed in three seasons of the Women’s Premier League. She initially represented Gujarat Giants before playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru for two seasons. She was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad that won the WPL title in 2024.

 

20) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old English chess player of Indian origin, became the youngest woman in chess history to earn the International Master (IM) title at the European Women’s Chess Club Cup 2026.

Bodhana hails from Harrow, North London, United Kingdom. The International Master title is one of the highest honours in chess, below the Grandmaster (GM) title.

Bodhana broke the 38-year-old record held by Judit Polgar, who had previously been the youngest female International Master.

Detailed Explanation:

Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old English chess player of Indian origin, became the youngest woman in chess history to earn the International Master (IM) title at the European Women’s Chess Club Cup 2026.

Bodhana hails from Harrow, North London, United Kingdom. The International Master title is one of the highest honours in chess, below the Grandmaster (GM) title.

Bodhana broke the 38-year-old record held by Judit Polgar, who had previously been the youngest female International Master.

Bodhana gained the rating points required for the open International Master title, which is not restricted to women, through her performance in the tournament.

With this achievement, Bodhana joined the list of the 10 youngest International Masters in chess history. Other players featured on the list include:

1. Praggnanandhaa – India
2. Gukesh – India

Nodirbek Abdusattorov – Uzbekistan

Faustino Oro – Argentina

Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus – Turkey

Roman Shogdzhiev – Russia

The European Women’s Chess Club Cup is a team competition in which women’s chess clubs from across Europe compete against one another. Players represent their clubs on different boards, with Board 1 generally facing the strongest opposition.

21) Answer: A

Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy won Individual Gold medals, while Pentala Harikrishna secured an Individual Silver medal at the European Chess Club Cup 2026, held in Montenegro.

In the Open section, Bayegan Pendik Chess Sports Club won the team title, while Novy Bor Chess Club, representing which Nihal Sarin and Pentala Harikrishna competed, finished runners-up.

In the women’s section, Cercle d’Echecs de Monte-Carlo successfully defended its title, with Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy contributing to the team’s championship-winning performance.

22) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Tom Skerritt (Thomas Roy Skerritt), a veteran American Hollywood actor, passed away at the age of 93 in Seattle, Washington, United States.

Tom Skerritt was born on 25 August 1933 in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Before pursuing his acting career, he served in the United States Air Force (USAF).

He made his film debut in the 1962 film War Hunt, which also marked the film debut of Robert Redford, Sydney Pollack, and Francis Ford Coppola.

Detailed Explanation:

Tom Skerritt (Thomas Roy Skerritt), a veteran American Hollywood actor, passed away at the age of 93 in Seattle, Washington, United States.

Tom Skerritt was born on 25 August 1933 in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Before pursuing his acting career, he served in the United States Air Force (USAF).

He made his film debut in the 1962 film War Hunt, which also marked the film debut of Robert Redford, Sydney Pollack, and Francis Ford Coppola.

He portrayed Duke Forrest in MAS*H (1970), Captain Dallas in Alien (1979), and Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf in Top Gun (1986).

Tom Skerritt had a career spanning approximately six decades in film and television.

He won the 1993 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for portraying Sheriff Jimmy Brock in the television series Picket Fences (1992–1996).

 

23) Answer: A

P.Krishnan, former Senior Deputy Editor of Sportstar, passed away in Chennai on 20 October 2026 at the age of 69.

He was affectionately known as ‘P.K. sir’ among generations of reporters and sub-editors.

He joined The Hindu in August 1980 before moving to Sportstar.

He served as the backbone of the Sportstar editorial desk for more than 30 years.

24) Answer: C

International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) is observed annually on 22 October to raise awareness about stuttering, promote understanding of the condition and support people who experience speech disfluency.

The official theme for International Stuttering Awareness Day 2026 is “SHADES OF STUTTERING – What's yours?”

25) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

World Polio Day is observed annually on 24 October to raise awareness about poliomyelitis (polio), a highly contagious viral disease that can affect the  central nervous system and cause permanent paralysis.

The official theme for World Polio Day 2026 is “One day, one focus: ending polio for good”.

Detailed Explanation:

World Polio Day is observed annually on 24 October to raise awareness about poliomyelitis (polio), a highly contagious viral disease that can affect the  central nervous system and cause permanent paralysis.

The official theme for World Polio Day 2026 is “One day, one focus: ending polio for good”.

The observance was initiated by Rotary International in honour of Jonas Salk, the medical researcher who led the team that developed the first successful polio vaccine.

Jonas Salk developed the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) in 1955. Later, Albert Sabin developed the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), which came into use in the early 1960s.